Monash researchers led by Dr. Dan Li have developed a novel method for converting natural graphite into highly porous graphene film for advanced applications.
Applications Energy Storage (eg capacitors, batteries and fuel cells)
LCD displays and photovoltaic devices n Composites for volatile fuel storage containers and electronics packaging
Absorbents for water purification and chemical separation
Printable conductive inks
Challenge
Many applications of graphene-based materials involve the use of graphene assemblies. Currently, the most scalable and cost-effective method for large-scale production of graphene is the graphite oxide route which involves the oxidation of graphite to graphite oxide, followed by chemical or thermal exfoliation/reduction to graphene sheets. The final products are supplied in dried and solid state. However, previous studies have shown that when graphene sheets are assembled together to form a solid film, a large portion of its surface area will be blocked due to aggregation, limiting the performance of graphene-based devices/ materials. This may generate non-uniform stresses in the green body, leading to loss of properties and defects such as cracks.
Invention
The performance problem faced by the currently used graphene sheets is solved by the new approach proposed in the present invention. The key concept of this invention is to process chemically prepared graphene dispersions into a gel film form, instead of dried films or powder that are traditionally adopted. In the graphene gel, individual graphene sheets are interconnected together to form films with a reasonable mechanical strength but each sheet is physically separated by an entrapped liquid or due to their corrugation. Many other functional materials can be added into graphene-based gel films during the synthetic process or by post-addition to further expand or enhance their applications, significantly reducing the aggregation.
Competitive advantage Electrically conductive Removal of drying step Graphene-based gel has an open and continuous porous structure that is favourable for many practical applications.
Opportunity We are currently seeking partners for licensing and development. Patent status The technology is protected by numerous National Phase patent applications, to cover all significant global markets.
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